I help families navigate the complex and confusing world of Special Educational Needs and get the right support for their children.

How I can help you

You are probably feeling overwhelmed. You may have tried repeatedly to get the help that your child needs and feel let down by the system at every turn. I have been where you are now, and I know how life-changing it is when your child finally does get the right support.

I have extensive training in the law underpinning the SEN system and experience in helping families at all stages of their journey. I take an in-depth look at your individual circumstances and advise on the best route to securing the right support, providing all the guidance, documents and representation that you need to achieve this.

  • IPSEA SEN Law Course

    Completed all levels 1-3

  • SOS! SEN Volunteer

    National Charity for parents of SEN children

  • SEN Advocate

    Representing and supporting families with a variety of SEN needs

About Me

Like many SEN Advocates, my experience with the world of Special Educational Needs began with my own children. They went from being happy, curious little people who loved learning to exhausted and fearful, too anxious even to set foot on school grounds.

The battle to secure placements in schools where they could thrive and therapeutic support to understand their neurodivergence took as much out of me as it may be taking out of you right now. My response to an overwhelming problem is to understand it as well as I possibly can, and so I studied SEN law in-depth. I began to volunteer on the wonderful charity SOS! SEN’s helplines, answering dozens of calls from parents looking for advice and receiving extensive training in all areas of SEND. As my knowledge and expertise increased, I started my own work with families who could not see a way through an impenetrable system.

Having worked in book publishing in my previous career, I have excellent writing skills and am highly experienced in negotiating, managing difficult conversations and developing strategies. As a SEN Advocate, I have been privileged to represent a wide range of families, some at the start of the EHCP process, some looking to overturn years of poorly defined provision, some wondering whether to appeal a Draft Plan.

The greatest reward of my work is seeing how children blossom again when they feel safe, secure and understood as they learn.

What clients say…

  • "Rebecca has been a lifeline for our family. With her thorough knowledge of SEN law and procedure, we are holding County to account. Her attention to detail, tenacity and calm reassuring presence has helped keep me afloat.

    Karen Patmore

  • "Rebecca has supported us immensly since we started the EHCP process for our son. Her calmness and compassion was very much needed at a time when we felt overwhelmed. Rebecca confidently guides us and her empathy knows no bounds. Her knowledge and experience give her a personable and powerful approach.

    Natalie Brown

  • “Rebecca re-wrote my daughters EHCNA application at a time when I most needed support. It was difficult gathering all the evidence required, and re-living my daughters past traumas and challenges, but Rebecca supported me each step with reasurrance, understanding and empathy. She has huge knowledge of the SEND law and the EHCP process and has given me invaluable advice. Rebecca is a true hero in my opinion and I can't thank her enough! "

    Ruth Hazelhurst

  • Rebecca’s support has been absolutely invaluable - I wouldn’t have known where to start without her. She has led me through the process with consistently proactive advice and confidence, backed up with experience and excellent knowledge of the systems we’re dealing with in Bucks, which seems designed to stall and offput at every stage, and might well have driven me off without her help! Really can’t thank you enough.

    Isobel Htay

  • Rebecca is absolutely fantastic. She is so passionate about helping children with additional needs navigate the notoriously complicated EHCP process. I know so many families will benefit from her support. My experience in working with Rebecca has been so positive and enjoyable. We've seen huge progress whilst working together to support several children and fantastic results in securing a suitable EHCP provision and the perfect schools for them. I highly recommend her to any family looking for someone who is experienced in the SEN world and is also very intelligent, professional, passionate- with a sense of humor!

    Louisa Hargett, Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Sensory Children Ltd

  • "Rebecca is a pleasure to collaborate with, and what sets her apart is her exceptional knowledge of SEN law and the way she draws on both personal and professional experience within the SEN system, bringing a depth of understanding that is both grounded and insightful. Rebecca's dedication to her work, approachable manner and clear communication make her an invaluable asset to any family needing support. Working with Rebecca is a genuinely positive experience and I wholeheartedly recommend her

    Alexandra Dowman, Specialist Teacher

Get in Touch

I offer a free initial consultation over phone or Zoom to discuss your circumstances

FAQ

  • A SEN Advocate has a detailed knowledge of the law that provides the framework for the entire SEN system and an in-depth understanding of all aspects of securing support. They work directly with parents to guide them through this system,

  • A SEN Advocate will provide as much or as little support as you need. For some families, this could mean managing the process entirely on their behalf, writing all applications and documents, corresponding with schools, Local Authorities and Tribunals, and representing them at hearings.

    For others, this could be advisory support, checking over EHCP drafts and appeals, managing meetings with schools and other professionals or completing complex applications like Disability Living Allowance forms.

    I tailor my support to each family and their circumstances.

  • A solicitor has received broad legal training before specialising in education law and tends to focus mainly on conflict resolution, particularly relating to Tribunals.

    A SEN Advocate has a specialised knowledge of the entire SEN system, including an in-depth knowledge of the law, but is not trained as a lawyer. A SEN Advocate will usually have a greater experience in working with schools and Local Authorities and will be able to help with all aspects of your journey. SEN Advocates also tend to have lower fees.

    It’s important to note that the SEN Tribunal system is specifically set up in a way that doesn’t require both parties to have a lawyer representing them. It is not like a court system where the party with the “better” lawyer wins.

  • We’ll start with a free phone or Zoom call to talk through you and your family’s current situation. I will advise on a way forward, and associated costs.

    Get in touch to find out more.

  • I charge a set fee for certain pieces of work such as Grounds of Appeal, EHCP applications and checking current EHCPs. I also have an hourly rate for all work outside these such as corresponding with Local Authorities or discussing school options with parents.

    For more information, please see my Services page.

Get in Touch

I’d love to hear from you - please email me at rebecca@senparentrescue.co.uk or call me on 07984 936234. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch very soon.